Prokofiev's greatest work?

[Air]

With all these lousy threads and polls going around, I hope you won't mind another one. 

What do you think is Prokofiev's magnum opus?  With such a varied and consistent oeuvre, I will refrain from my decision thus far and listen to more of his music... 

Anyways, Stravinsky has his Rite, Ravel his Daphnis, Prokofiev...?

[karlhenning]

Banana!  All three of these composers have such rich portfolios, none of them has one single greatest work.

[DavidW]

Banana!  All three of these composers have such rich portfolios, none of them has one single greatest work.

I think you underestimate the power of a reductionist poll in the hands of the mildly bored.   Just make a poll, list the catalog and it will be done.

But of course Beethoven needs to be an option, just so he can triumph once again.

[Lethevich]

I'll be interested in reading peoples arguments in this thread - I'm not a big Proko-head, and am always looking to look further into his work.

[Dana]

I think you underestimate the power of a reductionist poll in the hands of the mildly bored.   Just make a poll, list the catalog and it will be done.

      That's gonna need to be done before I cast a vote. I simply refuse to pick the singular best one without a comprehensive list of compositions before me. With that said, the Classical Symphony is clearly head and shoulders above the rest.

[Franco]

Piano Sonata No. 7

[hornteacher]

I tend to favor the 3rd Piano Concerto or the Classical Symphony.  "Best" is subjective but these are my two favorites.

[Dr. Dread]

Peter and the Wolf

[Air]

Well, these "greatest" threads are usually made for three reasons:

1. It's "fun."  Something to do, you know.

2. Recommendations for beginners and non-beginners.  I'm not one, but I still like to see what people say because it makes me want to rediscover such-and-such work.

3. There obviously is no "greatest" work, and instead of a "favorite" poll where one just comes and leaves, people actually discuss.  It makes me happy to see people discuss Prokofiev.

Anyways, as much support as Symphony No. 1 is getting right now, I don't think it's substantial enough for me.  If I had to pick a symphony, it would probably be between 2, 3, 5, and 6.  7 is very special to me as well.   Then, of course, I probably wouldn't pick a symphony.

[Bu]

Depending on my mood, weather, geographic location, or version I'd say Symphony No 5, PC #1, PS #6, VS #1 or 2, VC#2  or, perhaps Romeo and Juliet.  

0:)

[ChamberNut]

I haven't heard nearly enough of Prokofiev's works yet.  From what I have heard, I've nearly wholeheartedly enjoyed all to bits and pieces!    The Piano Sonatas are supposed to be great, but I need to warm up to them.  They seemed a little much for me.

So I cannot vote a greatest work.

Some of my favorites are Romeo & Juliet, The 1st and 4th symphony (original), the two string quartets and cello sonata are flat out amazing!  So is the sonata for two violins.

[Tapkaara]

Very interesting topic for a thread!

My favorite work of Prokofiev is Alexander Nevsky, but I doubt that it would generally be thought of as the height of his output. I'd have to put forth that either his 5th Symphony or his 3rd Piano Concerto make the the most obvious choices for his greatest work.

[Daverz]

I think Prokofiev himself would have said War & Peace.  It's certainly his most ambitious work.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

The more I listen to Prokofiev the more I'm convinced there simply isn't any one greatest work from him. I liken it to choosing the single greatest Beethoven work (nods to DavidW ) - it just can't be done. Just too much variety.

About the only choice for a Prokofiev nut is to simply give in and try to acquire as much of his music as possible. That'll satisfy.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

I think Prokofiev himself would have said War & Peace.  It's certainly his most ambitious work.

I just recently acquired the Gergiev recording of War & Peace and despite my comments above it certainly is tempting to proclaim this as some sort of crown jewel in his output. A rich tapestry for sure.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

And, aside, Prokofiev's operatic output in general is on a very high level. Certainly deserving of more attention than it gets from the classical mainstream.

[The Six]

I don't know the operas, or all of the symphonies, but if we're talking piano, then it's Sonata No. 8.

[Herman]

Stage works: War & PEace
Symphonies: 6
Sonatas: 8

And btw I don't agree that Daphnis & Chloe is Ravel's single greatest work, nor do I think Stravinsky might as well have stopped after the Sacre.

[The new erato]

.....nor do I think Stravinsky might as well have stopped after the Sacre.

Sacre is an interesting work in many ways, but Stravinskys ouvree for real only treally starts after that.

I viote for the best ballet music ever composed, Rome & Juliet. But yes, Prokofiev did write great music in all genres which really makes chosing difficult.

[Valentino]

Peter and the Wolf

Agreed.